written by Nelman81 on 24/03/2015
I own an original 1998 5 piece Burgundy High Gloss laquered Premier Cabria and have been playing for 19 years now. I mean original because this was the year it was originally launched to the market by Premier. The differences between these and the newer Cabrias is pretty big. First of all the 1998 ones were made with a blend of two different woods wich are Eucalyptus on the outer ply wich is very similar to maple for good mid and high frequencies and Merranti wich is the same as Mahogany on the inner ply for thunderous low frequencies specially when tuned low and most important with a thickness of only 5.2mm on all the toms and snare drum while the bass drum is 7.7mm. This thin shell type is only found in high end top of the line kits as it gives the best sound of all for studio recording, small gigs or practice rooms while the thicker shells are more for live playing to project more volume but less sound quality due to the thickness of the shell the sound does not transmit with the same speed or pureness. All this to make a two ply sandwiched shell with not just good but a great professional sound that gives out perfect fundamental notes from each drum without any unwanted overtones obviously using the right drum heads and a fine tuning. I know this after years of playing and listening to other drum kits and definitely the thickness of the shell makes a HUGE difference on the Sound along with the blend of two different types of wood to merge the sonic features of both woods. Apart from this they were the last ones still made in England with the Made in England badge on it. Since the 2000's they moved the manufacturing of this series to Taiwan and only the flagship series were still made in England. Nowadays the Cabria does not exist anymore, you can only find the APK series that was the one replaced by the Cabria in 1998 and the XPK, they both have 7.5mm 100% birch shells and are produced in Taiwan. They are not bad but definitely not the same as the 1998 ones. And as if this was not enough the 1998 ones also come with high tension lugs for wider tone range and easier tuning that are finished in Premier's diamond chrome also a feature only found in much more expensive kits. And to finish it also came with quick sized toms for more definite attack and faster response than the more conventional standard giving more expression and character to your playing. For all this said I give this kit a 10/10 without any second thoughts and to anyone out there who has the chance to purchase one of these, don't hesitate on it for a second and just buy it, I guarantee you won't regret it ever.
written by on 15/12/2010
I am 48 years old, been playing 33 years. Well over 2000 paid gigs in my career thus far. One thing that I have learned....I just dont need a $10,000 shell pack to have a good sound. No qualms with the older Premier Cabria kits for the buck. I currently have two sets, one a huge 11 piece double bass home kit. And my gig set that never makes it home. Nice hardware, plenty durable and with suspension mounts. And never a problem with the shells or the tuning. Premier did change their drum after just a few years of production. The early ones had more quality shells and when set up and tuned properly they sound and look as good as any kit I've owned.
Written on: 20/08/2015
You sure are right, the 1998 original cabrias had the best sound because of their shells, 5.2mm eucalyptus&meranti for all toms and snare and 7.7mm for bass drum, plus the quick sized toms shorter than the average and the high tension lugs, altogether it's a BOMB!! The new ones don't have those unique shells or the other features and are not made in England.
written by on 27/10/2010
They are the best ever and at 71 I should know
written by on 21/10/2010
I absolutley love this kit. I'm Grade 6 and have had it since i first started. I have no plans to change the kit any time in the forseeable future, and if i was, it would be another Premier kit. I've had the kit for 3 years and i've never had to retune it, or had any problems for that matter. It has withstood frequent use and gigging brilliantly. Would recommend 100%.
Written on: 01/06/2011
You've never tuned your kit in THREE YEARS???!!!! That somewhat undermines the credibility of your review as a drummer. Looks like they need to include a few more lessons before "Grade 6". Jeeez....
Written on: 06/03/2021
You really need to tune your drums more often ,you little baztard!
written by on 26/05/2010
I got a Premier kit about over two years ago, and I can't tell you how much I love it. The kit is a starting one, but the 2008 model is a great one. I never had to retune it(personally I did. Never broke a head or drum, amd the sound is great. Premier may be an unknown company but I wll use them again(just not there starter kits). Only thing I hate is the doubble toms. I'm more of a one tom guy.
Written on: 03/10/2011
Premier may be an unknown company? What rock have you been living under? Do some research on the company.
Written on: 21/05/2021
You got a hell of alot of nerve saying Premier is an Unknown Company. Matterfact, I should kick Your Fuxin Azz for saying that nonsense. You stupid little Baztard.
written by on 30/09/2009
ive had this kit for about 6 months now and it still feels like i got it yesterday. i recommend it to all users good or bad. if you are a rock drummer like me, i reccomend putting REMO POWERSTROKE.3. as a drum head for the snare, another POWERSTROKE.3. on the bass drum and an EVANS EC1 on all of the toms including tom.1., tom.2. and of corse the floor tom, thats if you are playing a "14(snare drum),10(tom 1),12(tom 2)14(floor tom),22(bass drum)" drum kit.
written by on 23/08/2009
I have had this Premier Cabria Series drumset for a long time now and it is an amazing set. Every time you play it it feels brand new. I would definitely recommend it.
written by Oratore on 03/07/2009
The sound quality with the Premier Cabria Series is superb. The smaller fusion-sized drums could use more volume, however. The set is every bit as rewarding to play as my vintage Rogers Londoners. The Cabrias are mahogany (which has the same density as maple) Compared to the Premier birch drums--there is a huge difference--see what you like. I am still exploring the possibilities of this set--so far, very impressed!
written by Danny Meazell on 23/04/2008
One thing I do not even understand is why the Primer Cabria kit is called an Entry Level drum kit. It is one of the finest kits I have ever played and I have played them all. I would recommend it to anyone in African Mahogany! I love this sound so much I will never buy another kit unless it is African Mahogany. I own Vintage, Rogers, Ludwig, and Slingerland but this kit will stand up to any I have ever played on a professional level. This kit is so professional I will jam with Willie Nelson, Scott Walker, Johnny Nitzinger or anyone using this kit and will be proud of what I am playing. Entry Level, I think not!!!!!!! I have another friend who is a professional drummer and a music storeowner and he plays the exact same Premier kit I do over DW, Ludwig, and Pearl. We are fighting now over each others drums. His toms are a little smaller than mine so I said, "If you sold me your kit I would have a 4 Tom, Double Bass, Double Floor Tom kit with an extra snare" His answer was "Or you could sell me yours and I would have a huge kit."
To Be Continued!!
PS I am not selling!!!
Written on: 19/05/2008
OK I finally found one flaw with my Cabria though I can live with it. The wing nut on the floor toms and toms are too wide because when you tighten them they rub against the shell making a ding in the finish. I do not like that, but I can live with it because the awesome sound of these drums over shadow this one little flaw!
Written on: 18/11/2008
I disagree with this review because...
<br/>
<br/>The Cabrias are fine entry level kits and a good value, but they are not pro gear. I'm not putting down Cabrias, but don't bill them as something they are not.
<br/>
<br/>Play the higher end Premiers, Gretsch USA Customs, DW Collector series, or other high end kits and you'll see and hear the difference.
Written on: 20/08/2015
I do not agree with you either, the cabrias, at least the original 1998 ones do have a proffesional sound because of their shells, it is only 5.2mm thick and it has two different woods eucalyptus and meranti, eucalyptus is equally or harder than maple wood thus it gives great sonic qualities very similar to maple and meranti is another name for phillipine mahogany wich is softer but very porous and is used to enhance the low frequencies for a deep sound. So this mix of sonic qualities with both woods at that thickness gives out a totally professional punchy deep sound to the drum. All the rest of features that the top of the line drums offer are just add-ons. What really gives the sound are the shells, the rest is just sincerely marketing to make you bring out the "Big Money".
written by 182meets2112 on 09/04/2005
First of all, I am basing this review off of the model mad in 2001-2002. Since my purchasing my own set, Premier has changed the type of wood used in the shells of the drums from maple to mahogany, but the other features on the set are relatively the same. My set was the first to use the ISO mounting system (which is the Premier issue of RIMS mounting). This hardware will allow for maximum resonance requires no drilling into the shell to mount the toms. This feature is very helpful when setting up the kit, for you can arragne the toms in more places and at different positions. Both cymbal stands that come with this kit are convertible boom stands. The bass drum pedal is a chain drive, which is another feature that makes this set playable at a professional level. The Cabria series can come in a laquer or wrap finish. THe laquers are all beutiful, but will run about 200 USD more on the price. The wrap finish still makes the drums sing, and the colors available are still very pleasant ot any eye.
Written on: 12/11/2006
Hi! I've been playing some four years with Cabria and still satisfied! Every working drummer knows
that its not the playing, it is the roading where the gear is missed and having crunches. Despite shells getting some scrathes, also all stands are suffering. With these in mind I've done fine with my Cabria set.
One question to all who it may concern: would someone in the know finally tell what is the big difference between African and Far East mahogany? I allready know it's kind of a different breech? But the tonal differences?
<br/>This is a open question, waiting for answers basing of empire practice. All good, keep swinging! kepa
Written on: 20/08/2015
The tonal difference is almost none, they both have almost the same hardness. Its more for marketing purposes, you can check the site wood database.com for complete info about all kinds of woods.
Do you have a question about this product or company? Simply type it in the box below and one of our community will give you an answer
Once we've checked over your question we will put it live on the site and our strong community of experts will hopefully give you some great answers that you find useful.
We will email you when the question is on the site
As rated by our community of reviewers
Harveywilson1's Response to Nelman81's Review
Written on: 17/10/2020
Well done Nelman! I own, from new, an original, made in England, Cabria and I agree with all your comments. It is a glorious kit. I have been drumming on and off since I was at school (about 50 years). I have played a lot of different kits, but my own Cabria is the best to play. It is so responsive that it is almost effortless, which is great for long gigs. You don't have to hit "into the drum" - just stroke them with the sticks and the drum jumps into life - easy! Some kits I've played are like rice pudding - after an hour or so your are exhausted. Mine has a hand sprayed lacquered finish. Even inside the shells there is a very thin transparent lacquer. None of this modern "wrap" nonsense which, I think, partially dulls the shell response. If you listen very carefully, the kit is humming quietly to itself all the time, even to just someone talking in the same room. I changed the batter heads to Evans on all the drums, but still use the original Premier resonse heads. For heavy rock gigs I use a copper snare, but for subtle jazz and blues, the original super matching Cabria snare - a lovely drum. Under the lights on stage the kit "glows". It looks very spectacular. Some of the following comments are amusing: "I haven't tuned my kit for three years"; "Premier an unknown company" - what a laugh!! Finally, if you get the chance - buy one, and if you really don't like it, then give it to me!!